Scozzafava will not seek seventh term

Former congressional candidate and New York State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava will not seek a seventh term, her husband confirmed today, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard.

Scozzafava (R- North Country) received political attention during the November 2009 elections when she dropped out of the congressional race and backed Democratic candidate Bill Owens instead of Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman.  Scozzafava was consequently stripped of her position as a top Assembly Republican Conference leader.

Scozzafava told the Watertown Daily Times on Wednesday that she plans to return to a financial services job but would not rule out running for election again.

Georgia announces seizure of highly enriched uranium

Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili confirmed today that Georgian authorities intercepted a shipment of highly enriched uranium being smuggled into the country last month. 

Although Saakashvili declined to release details about the seizure, he did blame Russia for causing regional instability that allows nuclear smugglers to operate, according to the Associated Press.

The president also cited the seizure as a testament to the security gaps left in the region after separatist territories Abkhazia and South Ossetia declared indepenence following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.  Saakashvili said most of the seizures have come "mostly from the direction of Russia."

Roethlisberger suspended for six games

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell gave Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a six-game suspension today for "conduct detrimental to the NFL", according to CNN.com

Roethlisberger faced criminal charges after a woman accused him of raping her in a bar in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Goodell told Roethlisberger the suspension was "the best step for your personal and professional welfare." 

Roethlisberger will meet with medical professionals to take recommendations which, if followed, could reduce his suspension to four days.